News

Actions

Ellis Challenges Amash for Congress Seat, Says ‘I’m The Conservative Republican in This Race’

Posted at 6:31 PM, Oct 08, 2013
and last updated 2013-10-08 21:37:43-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- On Tuesday, Brian Ellis made the formal announcement that he will be running for congress as a Republican.

Born and raised in West Michigan, Ellis is a father of three, the president of Brooktree Capital Management and the vice president of East Grand Rapids School board. His next challenge is removing Rep. Justin Amash from his seat in the third congressional district.

“Our country is facing some very serious fiscal challenges with deficits as far as the eye can see, national debt that is at all time highs that haven’t been seen since World War II and we need a fiscal conservative in this seat to advance good Republican solution to move this country forward,” Ellis said.

Ellis also criticized Amash for being the lone Republican in the U.S. House not to vote in support of building the Keystone XL Oil Pipeline.

He told FOX 17 his motivation for running in this election stems from his belief that Amash doesn’t reflect the values of the third district.

“He’s voted against the Paul Ryan budget that would’ve cut $5 trillion in spending,” Ellis said. “That’s a huge amount of money voted against small business tax cuts. Small businesses are the job creators in our economy and we need jobs.”

How will Ellis fare?  Amash’s deputy chief of staff didn’t have much to say about the announcement except, “It’s bizarre. Let’s just say we’re not worried.”

Ellis is the first Republican challenger to enter the race. According to the Washington Post, there are at least tow other Republicans who have been approached about their interest in the seat.

The third congressional district race will take place in August 2014.